The Presidential Award provides me with an incredible opportunity to share the amazing world of science education with not only my students, but also with other educators. This award challenges me to continue providing my students with experiences that motivate them to think deeply about the way the world works and ways they can use their scientific knowledge to make a positive impact on their school and in their community.

Katherine McGrane Waverly, IA | K-6, Science, 2018

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Katherine "Katie" McGrane, an educator for 10 years, has taught all subjects for fourth grade at Margaretta Carey Elementary School for the past six years. She spent the previous four years teaching fourth grade at Sunset Heights Elementary School. Katie has consulted for the Math and Science Partnership Grant: "Increasing Primary School Teachers' Understanding of the Iowa Science Standards and Developing K-2 Science Curriculum Using the Argument-based Strategies for STEM-Infused Science Teaching (ASSIST) Approach Framework." She has presented on the ASSIST Approach at a teacher conference and provided videos to be used as an example for preservice teachers. In 2018, she was the lead author of "Using the ASSIST Approach to Enhance Students' Writing and Understanding of Text," an article accepted for publication in Science and Children. Katie strives to meet the needs of all students in her science classroom by providing them with opportunities to inquire about the way the world works around them through the ASSIST Approach. Students form their own conceptual models based on observations and think critically about their claims through negotiation with peers. Katie earned a B.A., magna cum laude, in elementary education from Iowa State University and a M.A. from Morningside College. She is certified in elementary education and kindergarten through eighth grade reading.

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